Most Popular Styles for Women

She should wear whatever is comfortable for her. I was in Italy last month and I saw many styles of jeans, in all shades of blue. A lot of people wore Levi's. Leggings are fine too. People worry way too much about what to wear. Just make sure she brings clothes that will keep her warm and dry.

If your daughter wears Uggs, she will definitely stand out [INVALID] but remember, American visitors stand out anyway. Even before Americans open their mouths to speak English, Italians know where we're from!

That's partly, yes, because of dress. Italians don't (for the most part!) wear sneakers, Uggs, or flip-flops. They don't wear sweatshirts, especially not college sweatshirts, sweatpants, backpacks, or fanny packs. (Obviously I'm making broad generalizations, but, really, you hardly ever see this stuff). Even jeans aren't nearly as popular here as they are in the States, although you do see them a lot. Cutting a "bella figura" [INVALID] looking professional and put-together [INVALID] is important to them.

But even if you got Italian style down, as soon as you strap a camera around your neck, pull out a map, shake someone's hand or hug them instead of kiss them on both cheeks, or even just laugh really loudly, they'll know you're American.

And you know what? That's okay!

So, in short: If your daughter is really self-conscious about fitting in with the Italians, I'd say buy her maybe, say, some nice leather boots, or give her some spending money to shop when she's here. But remember, too, that if she's studying abroad, she'll likely be hanging out with American students who will be wearing [INVALID] you guessed it [INVALID] Uggs and sweatshirts!

I hope that helps!

www.revealedrome.com

One comment about Uggs. And you can google this if you do not believe me. While superficially comfy due to the lambs wool encasing the feet, Uggs are the most distructive on the feet due to the lack of arch support. The foot basically has too much room to move around in an Ugg. When in Europe, you will do so much more walking than you can imagine. An Ugg boot to get in your car to go to the store and by gum is fine, but the many miles you will walk in a day in Europe could be foot hell. I do speak from Experience too. I took Uggs to Germany 4 years ago, thinking they would be the best, most comfy shoe to wear in Europe. By day 3, the heel pain was supreme. By the final day 9, it was in both heels, and to walk was a limpy endeavor. Now many people may write back, stating that their feet were fine in their Uggs, I am just warning you of what I experienced and also encouraging you to google Uggs being the worlds worst shoe for our feet, as it was an article in a newspaper that I read maybe a year ago (could have also been on NPR).

Last year, while on vacation in Budapest and Prague, the jeans style were painted on with super high heels or ugly bright colored high top sneakers. But that was last year.

Just back from Europe (not Italy) and for young women saw LOTS of leggings with boots of all styles and scarves were seen on everyone. I live in a climate too warm for Ugg boots so can't comment on the comfort of those but did see lots of them. Saw jeans everywhere too and most looked close fitting with the skinny legs.

We saw jeans everywhere, all types. And worn with an ease that I don't think Americans could ever attain! Italians have style! And a lot of that is just the way they carry themselves and their access to stuff that we just don't have.

You won't blend in no matter what you buy.

Your daughter might be surprised at how the Italians enjoy seeing what her style is!!

She has a great opportunity to be an American ambassador and should take this as an opportunity not to blend in, but to share differences and provide a positive experience with an American.

I spoke with many Italians and other Europeans. We Americans have some major stereotypes to combat that go well beyond the clothing! I found it better to concentrate on how I interacted with others rather than how I appeared.

She's bound to come home with some great new style that her American friends will be envious of!

Have a great time. What a wonderful opportunity.

Great post, Elizabeth.

We are currently hosting a HS French student, and I commented to her how stylish she was while our kids are dressed in Uggs and oversized school sweatshirts. They seem to admire American style and its casualness.
I am emphasizing to my daughter that she has a responsibility to present herself in such a way that she is a good ambassador for our country.
I am hoping that the student returns to her country with positive accounts of how well she was treated by Americans.

I just got back from Italy and everyone was wearing boots with skinny jeans, skirts, dresses. Different types of heels too, flats, medium and high. I almost wanted to buy myself a pair while I was there but reminded myself there's no way that I could fit them into my 21" suitcase. Now that I'm home, a pair of boots is on my shopping list!

I am in Rome now, and have just been to Florence and Venice. Don't do UGGS[INVALID]I have some but am so glad I did not bring them. It's all about the boots here[INVALID]knee high, short boots, etc, worn with skinny jeans, leggings, skirts, tights. European women have mastered wearing comfortable, yet quite stylish clothes that are practical, warm, fabulous, and sleek.

Every year that I go, it seems that tight fitted jeans tucked into boots that are anywhere from lower mid calf to knee is always the European style. But, I have not been to Italy (only 4 more weeks to go though), I am sure they still are tucking jeans into their awesome boots. They also do it in big USA cities, especially in NYC.

Uggs are uggggg. Levi's are OK. Leggings?? How about letting her have access to a credit card and she can buy the latest while she is there. Outlet shopping is how a lot of "average Joe" Italians score their best looking threads. I have found that U.S. fashions are about a year behind what they are currently selling in Italy. This guide is a good reference, "Suzy Gershman's Born To Shop Italy". It can usually be found in the travel section of a bookstore or Amazon.com.

I've lived in Florence for over 8 years and the boots come out every winter. The popular style might change from year to year but boots are the MUST-HAVE item for any outfit during the winter. Of course, there is a type of boot to go with every style but the tight, pencil straight jeans or black pants that tuck into the boots are the most common, and those make their come back every year. Flat, medium or high heeled, short or long, there are many styles to choose from. I definitely think it would be better to give her a shopping budget so that she can get items here according to her preference and pick up ideas from seeing how Italian girls her age dress. That way she can personalize her own look, once she returns home she will be the envy of her friends!
Young girls here buy a lot of their clothes from the outdoor markets because they offer cheaper, in-season clothes and shoes with the idea that they don't have to last long (meaning quality is so-so but are stylish now).

Italian women dress to impress. I was just there this month. No matter what you try to wear you WILL look like a tourist because you ARE a tourist. Uggs? Well that's just plain....UG!!! But if that's what you wear then wear them! If you want to be comfortable and have a good time my best advice to you is to dress as you normally do. Forget about what the travel sites think you should be wearing!! You are NOT going to look like a local no matter how hard you try. I realized this on my first day in Venice.
I was dressed in sandals and linen skirts, or leggings and a tunic. I brought capri lenght pants with me and I wore t-shirts and tanks. I was still hot as the humidity was very high but the Italian women were dressed in very skinny jeans and down filled vests or coats and wool turtlenecks sweaters. Everyone wears a scarf.
Just be yourself and you will enjoy your time there!
Ciao Ciao!!

Jackie, take her shopping in Italy. Their clothes are very different and sooo cute. Every outfit has a scarf--even the guys are wearing them. Three weeks ago, I shopped right by the Duomo in Milan and found the cutest tops, vests and jackets. Check out this website: www.promod.com Bought some cute pieces here. Have fun making lifetime memories on your trip!

Here in Sorrento at the moment it is black, black and more black for outdoor wear! Colour relief provided by scarves and denims. As we have noticed in the past, it is the men who provide the colour with some very interesting trouser colour choices, apricot anyone?!!!

Just got back and concur with the posts about boots, especially for winter. There are also some flat, lace ups not like anything I see here- and easily purchased there. Double breasted is in, black is always in, but I saw a lot of grey and camel/tan in Italian shop windows. Scarves are also always in, but she can buy them there at the outdoor markets and have ball spending very little money while picking her favorites in any color(s). Bing/Google autumn/winter fashion 2010 with Italian designer names like Bottega Veneta (now owned by Gucci!), Giorgio Armani and Dolce & Gabbana. Italians are also big on accessories that finish a look, but again, she can buy a lot of that for a little money at the outdoor markets after she sees what she likes and what those around her are wearing.

Thanks to everyone for the replies. My daughter is pretty much on track..her biggest question now is should she take her North Face mid-length coat. I am not quite sure what the weather will be like and if it will be warm enough. So, her plan is skinny jeans, boots, cashmere v-neck sweaters and the black Northface coat. I think she can fit this all in a carryon!! Yipee!!